The Mer aktiv rehabilitation project – an intervention study in adult psychiatric care

The group intervention Mer aktiv aims to reduce social isolation, promote physical activity, and support the establishment of a sustainable and active lifestyle.

Aim

Subproject 1

To develop and evaluate a multidisciplinary lifestyle intervention for individuals enrolled in outpatient psychiatric care.

Subproject 2

To identify the needs of the target group and explore the relevance of the intervention from the perspectives of involved stakeholders, within a development process that prioritizes collaboration and long-term sustainability.

Method

The research project is designed as a feasibility study, and data collection is planned to begin in 2026. Two clinics in Region Halland (Halmstad and Varberg) will participate in the research project. Adults enrolled in outpatient psychiatric care in Region Halland will participate in the group intervention Mer aktiv. Data will be collected through questionnaires from participants, interviews with participants, staff and stakeholders, as well as through co-creation workshops. The questionnaires will measure physical activity, activity level, occupational balance, sleep health, anxiety, depression, recovery, and work ability.

Societal elevance and utilization

Mental ill-health and social isolation are complex challenges that require collaboration. By collaboration, interventions can be coordinated and made more sustainable. Mer aktiv aims to promote a more active lifestyle where activity is used as a central component. In addition to psychiatric services, civil society plays an important role, for example by group sessions located at Träffpunkten in Halmstad and Fontänhuset in Varberg as part of the intervention. The goal is for participants to continue an active lifestyle after the intervention has ended.

Plan for project realization

The project will be carried out in Region Halland and is a collaborative project involving researchers from Psychiatric Services in Region Halland, Halmstad University, Kristianstad University, Lund University, and the University of Gothenburg. The group has broad multidisciplinary expertise and extensive experience with both qualitative and quantitative methods. The research group’s previous work in lifestyle habits, as well as their clinical experience, provides strong conditions for developing and evaluating the intervention in close collaboration with psychiatric services and other stakeholders.